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Thursday, July 21, 2016

Security While Shopping

Being in public is always a risk. It you watch the news it’s getting riskier by the day. The United States is generally safe, but between crime and some terrorism it pays to follow some security ideas to keep ourselves safe and secure.
First, shop online. I realize that’s not always the answer, but it can actually save you money even with shipping.
Remain aware of your surroundings at all times and move to and from your vehicle with confidence and purpose. Stay alert. Do not look like an easy victim. Walk "tall," head and eyes moving, watching for potential danger. Have keys ready before getting to your car so you do not have to search for them while standing near it. If accosted, fight for your life, scream, and utilize whatever you may have as a weapon (keys, umbrellas, kicks to the shins). Never give up. Never stop screaming.
Make a conscious effort to keep your head out of your smart-phone.
Don’t stare straight ahead while you walk.
Don’t look downward at the path in front of you while you walk.
Casually look around while you walk.
Look further ahead than just your immediate surroundings of the next several steps.
During daytime, park away from the crunch of cars – which provides more visibility to assess (for coming and going).
During the night, park up close to the entrance, under a light.
Don’t slouch while you walk. Keep your shoulders back and chin up. Look confident.
Change your course if it doesn’t ‘feel right’ ahead.
Make sure purses and wallets are secure on your person and you are aware of their location at all times.
Keep the amount of available cash you have at a minimum or separate it into different pockets or locations on or about your person. This way all of it is not lost if your purse or wallet is misplaced or stolen.
Credit cards offer convenience and security, however, keep track of all cards and keep receipts to compare to your monthly statement.
Shop with a companion (another adult)
If a stranger approaches you with a question, it may be someone up to no good – keep walking and avoid engagement – you may be being ‘sized up’. Distance is your friend.
Choose time of day wisely. Some places are pretty safe during the day, but are entirely different at night.
Shop during the day when possible.
You are particularly vulnerable when you are leaving the store and going to your car.
While going to your car, look around and trust your senses. Go back if it feels un safe.
Keep keys in hand while going to your car. Get your keys out before you leave the store.
Do not remotely unlock your car until you’re right there.
Be quick while placing your bags into the car.
Don’t get on the phone after you get in the car.
Get in the car, lock the doors, and go.
When leaning over and strapping your child into a car seat, look around – be aware.
Where legal to do so, carry a firearm. When seconds count, Police are just minutes away.
When exiting store, predators are ‘interviewing you’ for vulnerability clues, so demonstrate your awareness.
Look into the backseat before opening a car door.
Do not leave purchased items visible in the car. Leave them in the trunk or cover them if in an SUV.
Report suspicious people or activity to law enforcement immediately! You may save someone else from harm or a property crime.
Most importantly, use common sense to reduce your own vulnerability.
Do not ever believe it won’t or can’t happen to you.
If you can’t carry a concealed, consider other less conspicuous weapons, tactical pen, pepper spray, defensive wand. Make sure you are trained in whatever weapon you choose.
Being safe and secure are often a mindset that can be half the battle. Prevention is always better than an actual fight. But without any other option, fight to win (or to stop the threat).